Gifted Weekly

It’s the time of year when holiday wish lists are being sent from one generation to the next. Many of these echo the ads placed on streaming services or social media, but many parents and educators would like to purchase a few gifts that fit both their child’s wants and needs. MOLUK’s multi-functional bilibo is one such item billed as popular and trending, and I call attention to it because it fulfills one of the three criteria I would recommend for any child’s gift, especially one identified as gifted: creation over consumption. The bilibo can be used as a springboard for any number of play scenarios, and it invites new ideas, new stories, and new functions rather than simply allowing a child to press a button (or scroll) and receive input. A number of classic toys fit within this guideline, such as Barbie dolls and Matchbox cars. 

The second guideline: ageless over age-defined. Monopoly? 8 and up. Legos? Ages 4-99. Telescope? 5 and up. First of all, because some of our gifted children don’t fall within the expected cognitive ability and interests of toy companies. Second of all, because playing alongside the recipient is an added and, in most cases, more valued aspect of the gift–which leads to…

The third guideline: social over single. Plenty of our gifted kiddos want to explore worlds of their own making, on their own, in the solitude of their own minds. And there are plenty of gifts and online games to answer that need. But what they won’t always have is time with you, to sit down during a surprise afternoon with no other demands, and build a lego 3-in-1 space shuttle or learn to play chess together. 

One behavioral specialist featured on NY Times’ The Wirecutter recommends: 

Don’t overthink it! Child development and behavior specialist Betsy Brown Braun reminded us that some family gifts can simply be a collection of things you may already have around your house. She recommends making a creation station, which is a basket full of stationery supplies, hole punches, markers, and ribbon. “[Kids] love stationery,” Brown Braun said. “Their store of choice is not Toys “R” Us, it’s Staples.” Many Wirecutter staffers love using IKEA’s Råskog cart to keep supplies organized.

NY Times Wirecutter

As a lover of books, I have to add a few titles that are likely to resonate with the gifted student’s experience. Many of these have age ranges, but as you well know, YMMV:

• Grades 2 and up: 

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

• Grades 3 and up: 

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

• Grades 4 and up: 

Rules by Cynthia Lord

The 39 Clues Series by many authors (including Rick Riordan)

• Grades 5 and up: 

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L Konigsburg 

The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry

• Grades 6 and up: 

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Beyonders by Brandon Mull

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Watership Down by Richard Adams

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

For a few final shout-outs: Puzzles are a great way to challenge a gifted child’s mind, allowing them to challenge their visual acuity, problem-solving skills, and manage frustration. Also, they are highly social.

Board games provide opportunities for gifted children to learn and socialize. Look for games that are challenging and that require strategic thinking, including the aforementioned Monopoly, the fan favorite Clue, and newer entries such as Ticket to Ride (more strategic games suggested at Readers Digest).

Subscription boxes: There are a number of subscription boxes specifically designed for enrichment, such as KiwiCo. These boxes include a variety of educational and engaging activities and can be designed to focus on student interests such as coding or creativity.

If you teach gifted students, feel free to share these tips with your families.

SOURCES: 

5 Products to Teach Children Chess

https://themomedit.com/momlife-play-the-best-way-for-kids-to-learn-chess-beginners-books-apps-tournament-boards-shana/

15 Strategy Board Games You’ll Love (and Where to Get Them) https://www.rd.com/list/strategy-board-games/

NY Times: 30 Best Gifts for Families https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-family-gift-ideas/